In a recent announcement during the Thanksgiving holiday, Mayor Alex Johnson declared the reopening of New York City schools for pre-K through fifth grade, along with students with special needs. For some parents, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, this was a moment to rejoice. However, with schools closing mid-November due to rising COVID-19 cases, many families had been advocating for a rapid return to in-person learning.
Yet, the reality is stark for the majority of public school students in New York City—around 74% of them are remaining fully remote for the remainder of the school year. In the community where I used to teach, this figure is closer to 80%. Reports indicate that families opting for remote learning predominantly belong to communities of color, who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
Essentially, when officials discuss “reopening schools,” they are primarily referring to those attended by white students. The CDC has highlighted that people of color face disproportionate impacts from COVID-19, including higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and mortality. Contributing factors include limited access to healthcare due to lower socioeconomic status and a higher likelihood of working in frontline positions, which increases exposure risks. Residents of predominantly Black neighborhoods can attest to the devastation the virus has wreaked on their communities.
The families most affected by the pandemic are understandably the least inclined to return their children to school. This has resulted in a two-tiered educational system: while white families celebrate the reopening, families of color are left navigating another seven months of remote learning. Is this truly something to celebrate?
Remote education poses unique challenges for families of color, who may lack reliable internet access and appropriate devices. Statistics reveal that children in these communities are less likely to have the technology—like laptops and tablets—that is commonplace in wealthier households. Additionally, many families reside in smaller living spaces, making it difficult for children to find a quiet area to focus on their studies. I recall students who, even before the pandemic, had to complete assignments on the subway, balancing books in their laps due to distractions at home.
The painful irony is that those who rely on schools for essential services—like childcare and meals—are the very families most wary of sending their kids back amidst surging COVID-19 cases. Their neighborhood schools are often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and inadequately sanitized, raising legitimate concerns about safety. The city should direct its efforts towards addressing these inequities and finding innovative solutions to support these communities. Merely celebrating the reopening for a fraction of the student population is insufficient. What measures are in place to enhance remote education? Where is the attention to the majority of students remaining home?
Existing disparities in educational outcomes between predominantly white schools and those in Black neighborhoods are already significant. Predominantly white institutions boast higher graduation rates, GPAs, and college acceptance figures. This gap begins in kindergarten and continues to widen. The new segregation prompted by COVID-19—where white students benefit from in-person learning while Black students struggle at home—will only deepen these disparities. When students eventually return to classrooms, how will schools assist those who have fallen behind? How can they compete with peers who have gained nearly a year of academic progress?
Mayor Johnson has essentially acknowledged that in-person learning is superior and that the issues surrounding remote education will not be resolved by the school year’s end. The prevailing belief seems to be that with a vaccine on the horizon, the situation will eventually improve. However, in the meantime, what is being done to assist those learning from home? This negligence is unacceptable. Every teacher is responsible for the well-being and success of every student on their roster. No educator or public official should condone the racial injustices that arise from such disparities. To celebrate the reopening for predominantly white students is to overlook the struggles of the many who are left behind.
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Summary:
The recent announcement regarding the reopening of NYC schools primarily benefits white students, leaving many families of color continuing with remote education. This disparity highlights existing inequities in access to resources, technology, and safe learning environments. As the city navigates this crisis, the focus must shift towards addressing these systemic issues and ensuring that all students receive the support they need.